Sea Kayaking Porto Rafti: Bay, Islets & Sunset Paddle

Our Porto Rafti sea kayaking tour explores the wide bay of Porto Rafti on the east coast of Attica, with its rocky shores, small beaches and islets. The tour takes about four hours, with around 2.5 hours and 5 km of paddling, a lesson at the start and time to swim and snorkel. It costs €50 per person, runs from 2 people, and an afternoon sunset tour is also available.

What is sea kayaking in Porto Rafti?

It is a guided paddle in one of the most sheltered bays near Athens. Porto Rafti is a natural harbour ringed by hills, with islets scattered across the water, which gives calm conditions and plenty to explore in a short distance. You paddle a single or double sea kayak, learn the basics first and then follow the coast with tour leaders certified by the American Canoe Association (ACA).

No experience or special fitness is needed. The pace is relaxed and built around swim stops and short breaks.

Where does the tour go?

Porto Rafti offers several routes, and the leaders choose the starting point on the day according to the wind and the group’s wishes. The main options are:

• Vourleza to Agios Spyridonas and Erotospilia: a coastal paddle from Vourleza towards Agios Spyridonas, continuing to Erotospilia beach.
• Prasso islet: a crossing to the small islet of Prasso, where you land on its little beach to swim and look at the seabed with snorkelling masks.
• Panorama (Avlaki) to Tsourgheli: a paddle past rocks shaped by the sea, then back to the beach to swim and sunbathe.

Each route covers about 5 km in total, so the effort is similar whichever one you do.

What happens on the day?

You meet the tour leaders at the starting beach in Porto Rafti, which we confirm before the tour. They hand out kayaks, paddles, life jackets and waterproof bags, then give a basic paddling lesson, first on land and then in shallow water. You learn how to hold the paddle, steer and stop, and how to paddle together if you share a double kayak.

The group then sets off along the chosen route, stopping to swim, rest and explore the coves and rocks along the way. Drinking water is provided. At the end you paddle back to the beach, with time to relax before heading home.

The sunset tour

For a different mood, choose the afternoon sunset tour. It follows the same easy format, timed so you are on the water as the sun goes down over the bay. It is a good choice for couples and for anyone who prefers to avoid the midday heat.

What is included?

• Kayaks: single or double sea kayaks.
• Gear: paddles, life jackets and waterproof bags.
• Lesson: a basic paddling lesson on land and on the water.
• Water: drinking water during the tour.
• Leaders: experienced ACA-certified tour leaders with safety equipment and a first aid kit.

Is it right for me?

Yes, if you can swim. The tour is designed for all levels of experience and fitness, so first-timers, families and groups of friends are all welcome. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Double kayaks are a good option for couples or for a parent paddling with a child.

When is the best time to go?

From June to September the water is warm for swimming and snorkelling at Prasso and the beaches. Spring and autumn are quieter and cooler on the water. In the heat of summer the afternoon sunset tour is the most comfortable option. The bay is sheltered, but the leaders still check wind and sea before every departure.

How to get there from central Athens

Porto Rafti is about 45 minutes by car from central Athens, east through the Mesogeia past the airport area. KTEL buses also run from Athens to Porto Rafti. If you would rather not drive, private transport to and from the meeting point can be arranged on request. We confirm the exact starting beach before your tour.

What to bring

• Sun hat and sunscreen.
• A short or long-sleeved T-shirt for sun protection.
• Swimsuit or quick-dry shorts.
• A towel and dry clothes for after the tour.
• Any personal medication you need.

Good to know

• The tour runs from 2 participants, so couples can book on their own.
• Your belongings travel in waterproof bags, but leave valuables at home if you can.
• If wind or sea make paddling unsafe, we offer a new date or a full refund of your deposit.